Italian for Children: Intercultural Proposals

Abstract

This article presents reflections on the importance of teaching the Italian language to children, with a focus on promoting intercultural thinking through playful didactic activities. Our reflection begins with the importance of awakening, from early childhood, an awareness of one's own culture and that of others, in order to progressively develop attitudes of self-appreciation and respect for cultural diversity. In this light, the study aims to enable an education that goes beyond teaching the language for its own sake. Accordingly, playful teaching activities were developed, centered on Brazilian culture, providing space for teachers to engage in dialogue with other cultures. The proposal is offered as a set of suggestions and possibilities through which teachers can foster their students' autonomy in constructing their identities and understanding the world around them. The study includes six practical, playful activities in Italian, designed for children aged 7 to 11. By incorporating themes such as ethnicity, gender, and identity, the learning environment becomes richer, more inclusive, and more integrative. Thus, this study aims to contribute to the field of Italian language teaching for children, as well as to be part of a broader movement of intercultural education.